9 Decades of Aquatic and Academic Excellence

Tunnel Vision – Bright Blue or Dark Cool ?

Soon after this blog was first published in January the response was immediate and unanimous – “Bright Blue” !! Fast forward seven months later to August 28. Comments from those who have seen the tunnel: Wow! Goosebumps! Fantastic!

The new tunnel entrance to The Robert F. Busbey Natatorium features an under-water-like experience leading into one of the fastestpools in the country and certainly one of the most graphically dramatic. All thanks to the “Team is Forever” attitude from Fenn College and Cleveland State University Swimming and Diving friends and alumni.

Imagine the shock when visitors walk around the corner of the PE Building and first see Bob’s name – and then the after-shock when they fully comprehend the tunnel effect that stands in front of them. Hello Magnus – Go Vikings!!

The last 20 days have marked a complete change of atmosphere in the pool thanks to the Design Team at Flying Hand Design and the production and installation team at Repros, Inc. This would be an excellent time to call out the Repros team because projects like the South Tunnel are challenging, difficult, frustrating, – – – well, you get the message.

How often have you messed up the small 1′ sticker on your licence plate. Or a 3″ window decal. And of course that bumper sticker with the bubble or wrinkle in it. Now imagine working with the vinyl graphics in the tunnel. How would you like to tackle an 8′ wide ceiling on a stepladder. Or a 20′ wall bordered by angles, doors and a 12′ high ceiling.

High fives all around for the Repros Install Team. Way To GO !

Oh, and remind us to tell you the story about the diving catch in the end zone to the get the name right! You will have at least six opportunities to hear that story and more at Heritage Weekend Friday September 25 and Saturday September 26.

Two hot-off-the-press design concepts for the tunnel into The Robert F. Busbey Natatorium bleachers provide contrasting approaches for the graphics possibilities. We’re interested in alumni thoughts on these options. Please leave your comments below or on ourFacebook group page.

By now everyone should be familiar with the Concept Graphics developed for The Robert F. Busbey Natatorium. If by chance you have not seen them, they are HERE.

One of the last pieces to the project is the tunnel that leads from the PE Building to the second floor bleachers of the pool. Two alternate concepts have been developed.

Option I provides a dramatic entrance through a dark tunnel flanked by two swimmers.

Option II features an underwater immersion path into the pool.

Here is a renderings for Option I.

And for Option II.

Please see additional pictures for these two concepts at the end of this blog.

We are inviting CSU swimming and diving friends and alumni to share their thoughts with the Heritage Committee on these two concepts. Many ways to do so:

If you have not done so already, please consider making a donation to support the Heritage Project here: http://bit.ly/Finish-strong. Only 34 days left until the matching challenge gift expires on February 28th. Please consider passing along the link above and graphic below to other friends and alumni:

Here are additional pictures and descriptions of the tunnel graphics concepts. First, for “Dark Cool”:

And for “Light Blue”:

11 comments on “Tunnel Vision – Bright Blue or Dark Cool ?”

Option 2 looks more welcoming not only for recruits but also for young swimmers and their parents when they come to meets at the pool. It looks better, brings more light to an otherwise dark hallway, and draws attention to the entrance of the pool.

Wow option 2. If I was walking down this hallway on a recruitment trip I would definitely want to come here. Not only one of the fastest pools in the world but it has the coolest art. Makes me want to swim all over again.